A Formula One festival

The inside track at the British Grand Prix

Cain from North Wales on how a weekend at the British Grand Prix means so much more than one race.

I’d not been to Silverstone before but I’d seen it on telly many times — Lewis Hamilton’s home race has been an annual TV highlight in my house. This year I’d promised myself I was going to go — which meant a promise to the whole family. We know Lewis qualified on pole and ultimately came second to Vettel after colliding with Räikkönen — but that wasn’t the story of the weekend for us. The Grand Prix was simply one of several high points for me, my wife and my two kids, during a couple of days filled with them.

And there’s so much to explore and enjoy at the circuit besides the main event, whichever sort of supporter you are.

Lazing on the grass with a picnic and plenty of cold drinks, we were able to take in Formula 2 and the Porsche 911 Supercup.

Couples

With children in tow, there was no sneaking off to sample a few flutes in the champagne bar — but we saw plenty of pairs who did.

But we did grab a couple of refreshing rhubarb gin and tonics from one concession while the kids were on the giant ferris wheel — perfect in the sun.

Kids

Sit in a car, take a selfie with a car, set your best time changing the wheels on a car like a pit crew — there’s more car fun for kids than for adults. And just as much non-car fun — gift shops, rides, children’s entertainers and musical performances on the large central stage.

Mates

Even if I’d not gone with my family, a weekend at the British Grand Prix would’ve suited any of my non petrolhead pals. Beer tents galore, Brandon Block on the decks at the afterparty, big screen World Cup football — it had it all.

However I’d done it and whoever with — a Grandstand seat at the British Grand Prix was always something I’d wanted to experience. But the reality of our weekend at Silverstone went way beyond what I’d hoped for and made memories for us all.

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